Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

इंटरनेट मानक

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”Jawaharlal Nehru

“Step Out From the Old to the New”

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार”Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता है”Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam

“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

है”ह”ह

IS 11713-2 (1986): Guide for physical planning of computercomplexes, Part 2: Safety [LITD 14: Software and SystemEngineering]

IS : 11713 ( Part 2 ) - 1986

Indian Standard GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL PLANNING OF

COMPUTER COMPLEXES

PART 2 SAFETY

Computers, Business Machines, and Calculators Sectional Committee, LTDC 24

Chairman

DR N. SESHAGIKI

Members

Representing

Department of Electronics, New Delhi

DR K. SUBKAMANIAN (Alternote to Dr N. Seshagiri )

SHRI R. P. AHUJA Compuu;ii Maintenance Corporation Ltd, New

SHRI C. K. BAPIRAJU State Bank of India, Bombay SHRI S K. BHATIA Bharat Heavy Electricsls Ltd, New Delhi

SHRI PVS CHELLAPATHI RAO ( Alternate ) DR VIJAY P. BHATKAR Kerala State Electronics Development Corpo-

ration Ltd, Trivandrum DR S. N. S. RAJESEKRAN ( Alternate )

DR C. R. CHAKRAVARTHY Ministry of Defence ( R & D ) SHRI K. N. DNEER Indian Airlines, New Delhi SHRI ISHWAR DUTT Electronics Trade & Technology Development

Corporation Ltd, New Delhi SHRI DEEPAK GUPTA Tata Electric Companies, Bombay

SHRI R. M. NAIR ( Alternate ) DR A. LAHIRI Depa;;;;t of Science & Technology, New

SIJRI N. LAKSHMANAN Life Insurance Corporation of India, Bombay SHRI P. P. MALHOTKA Development Commissioner ( Small Scale

SHRI M. RAMAKRISHNAN ( Alternate ) Industries ), New Delhi

SHRI ARUN MEHTA Hindustan Computers Ltd, New Delhi DK S. C. MEHTA Steel Authority of India Ltd. New Delhi SHRI S. L. N. MURTHY Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore

SHRI K. S. PERINANAYAGAM ( ~hmate ) SARI S. K. PANDEY International Computers Indian Manufacturers

Ltd, Pune SI~RI H. DAS ( Alternote )

( Continued on page 2 )

@ Copyright 1987 INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION

This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act

IS : 11713 ( Part 2 ) - 1986

( Continued from page 1 >

Members Representing

SHRI G. RAGHUKUMAR The D;L;i,Cloth & General Mills Co Ltd, New

SHRI A. N. PAWAR ( Alternate ) SHRI C. S. RAMACHANDRAN Reserve Bank of India, Bombay DR J. GOPALA RAO Electronics Corporation of India Ltd,

Hyderabad DR V. K. RAVINDRAN PSI Data Systems Pvt Ltd, Bangalore

SHR~ V. L. DESHPANDE ( AIternate )

RROF R. SADANANDA Computer Society of India, Bombay SHRI K. L. GARC ( Alternate )

SHRI ASHIS SEN Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta SHRI UMESH P. SHAH ORG Systems, Vadodaca

SHRI P. K. SRIDHARAN ( Alternate ) SHRI M. SHANKRALINGAM Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals,

New Delhi SHRI V. R. UNNIRAMAN Telecommunication Research Centre, New

Delhi SHRI K. M. VISWANATHAN Hindustan Teleprinters Ltd, Madras

SHRI S. DEVARAJAN ( Alternate ) SHRI N. SRINIVASAN. Director General, ISI ( Ex-oficio Member)

Director ( Electronics ) Secretary

SHRI A. S. RAWAT Deputy Director ( Electronics ), IS1

Panel for Computer Infrastructure, LTDC 241Pl

Convener

SHRI R. THJAGARAJAN

Members

SHRT R. K. DUTTA SHRI S. P. GHOTHOSKAR DR M. IBRAMSHA SWR~ M. M. N. KAPUR DR VINAY MATRI

DR S. S. PILLAI

BRIG V. M. SUNDARAM

Depa;t?lgt of Science and Technology, New

Indian Meteorological Department, New Delhi Reserve Bank of India, Bombay Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi Central Statistical Organization, New Delhi Schoge,;f Plannrng and Architecture, New

Indian Agriculture Statistical Research Institute, New Delhi

International Computers Indian Manufacturers Ltd. New Delhi

IS : 11713 ( Part 2 ) - 1986

Indian Standard GUIDE FOR PHYSICAL PLANNING OF

COMPUTER COMPLEXES

PART 2 SAFETY

0. FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard ( Part 2 ) was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution on 23 January 1986, after the draft finalized by the Com- puters, Business, Machines and Calculators Sectional Committee had been approved by the Electronics and Telecommunication Division Council.

0.2 Normally computer installations are located in cities and townships where protection from hazards, such as fire, floods, etc, is invariably provided due to the regulations imposed by the city authority. However, it is possible that even within city limits these hazards have caused untold damage to offices and other equipment. In the case of computer installations in particular, the extent of damage due to hazards can be very huge to the organization mainly because of the fact that the operations of the organization could come to a stand still if large scale damage is caused to the computer hardware as well as to the data stored in the storage devices.

0.3 While the actual advent of a natural hazards cannot be predicted with any accuracy whatever, what can be done by the computer centre management is to take steps to prevent the occurrence of such natural hazards in the first instance. Later, when such hazards actually take place, to minimize the extent of damage. Also, it would be advisable to make efforts to retrieve as much data and equipment as possible belonging to the computer installation in case hazards occur.

Due attentions must also be paid to the fact that while hazards such as fire should be handled expeditiously, chemicals used for entinguish- ing fire should be such that they should not cause any harm to the personnel working in the computer environment at the time the fire breaks out.

0.4 An attempt is being made in this standard to bring togethere various aspects including reference to other standards which will have a bearing on how to handle hazardous situations in computer installations.

3

. IS : 11713 ( Part 2 ) - 1986

1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard ( Part 2 ) provides guidelines for safty measures in computer installations from hazards, such as fire, flood, earthquakes, magnetic fields, pests and rodents.

NOTE - For the purpose of this standard, ‘ Safety ’ means provision of protec- tion against damage or loss to personnel and equipment.

2. FIRE

2.0 Fire may occur in a computer installation due to a number of reasons ranging from a simple spark to deliberate sabotage. Among all hazards, fire is the most commonly found one and causes the maximum damage. Adequate measures must, therefore be taken in every computer installa- tion against this hazard. The measures that may be taken are discussed here.

2.1 Preventive Measures

2.1.1 Selection of Site -Some Suggestions - As a guiding principle, computer installations should preferably be located away from hazardous environments such as chemical, plastic, paint, petroleum and similar industries. In case a computer installation is expected to be located within such an industrial complex, then extra precautions must be taken to protect the computer installation from fire hazards.

2.1.2 Construction of the Building - Some Guidelines - In order to ensure that the computer room is well protected from fire, it is advisible that the frames of the structure, floors, walls and roof should be built from non-combustible material. The computer room should also be separated from the adjoining area by double fire doors. With regard to the walls, flooring, ceiling and partitions, tire retardant materials should be used and in no event whatever should expanded polystyrene ( thermocol ) should be used.

Orders must by very clearly stated as well as implemented to the effect that no smoking should be permitted in or around the computer room and the storage area in order to prevent fire hazards.

2.1.3 Storage of Records -Magnetic tape and other records should be stored in fire-proof rooms. In addition, magnetic storage media such as tapes, disks, etc, must be kept in fireproof and heat insulated containers or cabinets.

2.1.4 Electrical Wiring - Since overload may cause fire, all wiring should be periodically checked for its capacity to carry the required electrical loads. Also, all fuses must be of sufficiently low amperage rating in order that the circuit may be protected in case of short circuit or overload.

4

IS : 11713 ( Part 2 ) - 1986

2.2 Detection Measures

2.2.1 Wherever possible, an automatic fire detection system must be installed. The detection system should indicate all failures including power failure on a control panel with a built-in alarm system which should alert security personnel. The location and spacing of detectors would be dependent on the following factors:

a) Potential fire sites, b) Location of equipment, and c) Direction and valocity of flow of air.

2.2.2 For detecting fire, it would be preferable to install smoke detection systems in areas where electronic equipment are located in preference to air temperature detection equipment since false alarms may be raised even during normal times of operation of such electronic equipment, heat generated by which may raise false alarms.

2.3 Recovery Measures

2.3.1 Fire Fighting Equipment - In every computer complex, suitable fire fighting equipment as per Indian Standard must be provided. It is preferable to provide portable fire extinguishers. Even though chemi- cal fire extinguishers are useful for putting out fire at critical places where hardware, disk or tape is located, such extinguishers may cause injury to personnel. Therefore, adequate precautions must be taken while using such extinguishers and, personnel should be alerted and informed through hailers when necessary.

2.3.2 Guidelines for Fire Control - Apart from the normal measures taken to prevent and control fire which may occur, appropriate guide- lines and regulations must be formulated. Personnel working in the complex must also be trained in such guidelines and each person must be aware of his duties in the even of a fire. Some of the sample elements to be covered in the guidelines are mentioned at Appendix A.

3. FLOOD

3.1 While it is an acknowledged fact that the planner of the computea complex would have taken adequate steps to locate it away from flood- prone areas, it is quite likely that dampness may be caused due to sewage or water mains which may pass close to the walls of the computer complex. Thus, damage due to dampness may occur more often than due to flood. It is also possible that floods may result from heavy rains.

3.2 With a view to preventing damage due to dampness and flooding, drainage and water pipes should preferably be routed away from the hardware area. Further, the walls, flooring and roofing of the computer room should be periodically inspected to detect dampness and leakage of water.

5

IS : 11713 ( Part 2 ) - 1986

3.3 All structures of the computer installation should be provided with water proofing treatment as per standards laid down in IS : 3067-1966*.

4. EARTHQUAKES

4.1 Earthquakes, whether they are of a voilent nature or otherwise can cause extensive damage to the computer equipment. Even mild tremors may cause fall of debris on the computer equipment causing extensive damage. Therefore, wherever possible, location such as hillside land filled areas and tall structures should be avoided.

5. LIGHTENING

5.1 As a rule, all tall buildings are provided with lightening conductors. In respect of computer installations, however, even if the building is not too tall, it is preferable to provide lightening conductors as per 1s : 2309-1969t. The earth provided for lightening conductors should be kept away from the building’s earth.

6. ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELDS

6.1 Very strong electro-magnetic fields may cause errors in the perfor- mance of computers and also in the data stored on magnetic media. In order to prevent damage due to heavy magnetic fields, the computer complex should be located away from TV/Radio stations, micro wave stations, heavey electrical equipment, etc.

6.2 The electro-magnetic radiations found in the computer complex should be measured periodically and should be maintained below the following limits:

Below Field Strength of Frequency Range

a) Pulsed type radiation 200 millivolts/meter 150 kHz ( Broad Band ) per megnigde 400 MHz

bend width b) Continuous wave radia- 300 millivolts/meter

tion ( Narrow Band ) c) Continuous wave 300 millivolts/meter

150 kHz 400 MHz 150 kHz 400 MHz

6.3 In case location of a computer complex in an electro-magnetic induction area is unavoidable, the following must also be provided:

a) wire mesh as a Faraday cage or walls surrounding the installa- tion;

*Code of practice for general design, details and preparatory work for damp- proofing and waterproofing of buildings.

jCode of practice for the protection of buildings and allied structures against lighting ( firsr revision ).

6

b) Aluminium mesh anetenna; and

screening of the windows facing the radar

c) Grounding window screens and other leakage metal surfaces.

IS : 11713 ( Part 2 ) - $984

7. ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE

7.1 Computer hardware is highly susceptible to electrostatic damage. Electrostatically safe environment can be provided through the use of floor and table mats and wrist straps for maintenance staff. The purpose of the floor mat is to remove the static charge from transient personnel who approach the static sensitive environment. The conduction table mat, besides providing static free work surface, removes static change from non-conducting items placed on it. Non-conducting objects such as persons, trays, containers, cups, etc, acquire electrostatic charge with potential difference as much as 10 kV to cause serious damage, The precautions as laid down in IS : 10087-1981* should be observed and accordingly facilities may be provided in maintenance area.

8. PESTS AND RODENTS

8.1 Pests and rodents can be a cause of considerable damage to electrical installation and hardware. Adequate measures for pest and rodent control as per relevant Indian Standards are recommended.

APPENDIX A ( Clause 2.3.2 )

SAMPLE ELEMENTS TO COVER IN REGULATIONS FOR FIRE FIGHTING

Officers authorized and the chain of commend ( one executive must be designated specifically as a fire officer ). Telephone numbers for contact in case of emergency. Display of telephone numbers of firebrigade, hospitals and concerned officers. Instructions for contact and emergency steps for fire fighting, evacuation of persons, preventive and salvage instructions for the equipment and other valuable goods.

e) Checking of equipment once every three months - instructions for these should be drawn.

f) Training of staff and drills ( at least once in three months ) for fire fighting, first aid, etc.

g) Availability and access to fire fighting equipment and regulation at all times.

*Code of practice for handling of electro-static sensitive devices. 7

INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS ( SI UNITS)

Base Units

Quantity

Length

Mass

Time

Electric current

Thermodynamic temperature

Luminous intensity

Amount of substance

Unit

metre

kilogram

second

ampere

kelvin

Symbol

m

kg

s

A

K

candela

mole

cd

mol

Supplementary Units

Quantity

Plane angle

Solid angle

Derived Units

Quantity

Force

Energy

Power

Flux

Flux density

Frequency

Electric conductance

Electromotive force

Pressure, stress

Unit

radian

steradian

Unit

newton

joule

watt

weber

tesla I

hertz

siemens

volt

Pascal

Symbol

rad

sr

Symbol

N

J

W

Wb

T

Hz

S

V

Pa

Definition

1N = 1 kg.m/sa

1J = 1 N.m

1w = 1 J/s

1 Wb = 1 V.S

1T = 1 Wb/ma

1 Hz = 1 c/s(s-l)

1s = 1 A/V

1v = 1 W/A

1 Pa = 1 N/m2